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Osteen's cabin to show off history

By Stephanie Turner

Nov 14 2012 12:01 am Nov 15 7:20 am

Staff photo by Stephanie Turner
John Osteen enjoys the autumn day outside the copy of a Sumter County schoolhouse located on his property. The schoolhouse is just one of the sites to see on his property at his open house this weekend.

Thanksgiving is a time of enjoying family, friends, large feasts and the little things. For John Osteen, it's a time to share in history.

Having been doing it for more than 30 years, Osteen once again invites people to come see his log cabin, Confederate museum and schoolhouse this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.

Osteen started back in 1976 with his log cabin. The cabin contains various kitchen accessories, old sacks hanging from the ceiling and pictures like a picked-at one of Depression-era characters Pinky and Blueboy.

Weapons, pottery pieces, personal awards and scrapbooks are just a few items to be found in the Confederate museum, made from Osteen's dog kennel. The schoolhouse next door is a replica of Reid Schoolhouse in Sumter County, where his mother attended school.

A smokehouse, outdoor privy and chicken coop are also placed on the property.

“I've always loved old things and history,” Osteen said. “The elderly people really love it, and kids are fascinated by it. … I get so much pleasure out it.”

All are opened up for free to the public.

The location is 3184 Wagener Road, across from Couchton Baptist Church.

Enlarge Staff Photo by Stephanie Turner
John Osteen sits with his collection of war photos and documents inside the Confederate museum located on his property. The musuem will be open, along with his other buildings, this weekend at his annual open house.

Staff Photo by Stephanie Turner
John Osteen sits with his collection of war photos and documents inside the Confederate museum located on his property. The musuem will be open, along with his other buildings, this weekend at his annual open house.

Enlarge Staff Photo by Stephanie Turner
John Osteenís Confederate museum contains artifacts and documents from various wars and will be open this weekend. Osteen has been hosting his open house for over 30 years.

Staff Photo by Stephanie Turner
John Osteenís Confederate museum contains artifacts and documents from various wars and will be open this weekend. Osteen has been hosting his open house for over 30 years.

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